Beyond Survival
A 3-day trauma-informed retreat for young adults ready to reconnect with themselves beyond survival mode.
Nature-Based Theraputic Retreat
Cheakamus Centre, Squamish BC
August 17-19, 2026
This retreat might be for you if you relate to any of these:
Exhausted in ways that sleep doesn’t fix
Feeling Disconnected from yourself or the people around you
Stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break
Just going through the motions
Feeling like you’re holding a lot, and doing it alone
You think you need more than just talk therapy
Beyond Survival is a 3-day, trauma-informed, nature-based retreat held at the Cheakamus Centre in Squamish, BC, on the traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. Surrounded by forest, river, and mountain landscapes, this retreat invites young adults to step away from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with themselves in a grounded and supportive environment.
Facilitated by Registered Clinical Counsellors and practitioners trained in nature-based therapy, the experience blends therapeutic reflection, nervous system support, and meaningful time outdoors with authentic community connection. Together, we create space to slow down, listen inward, and explore who you are beyond stress responses, burnout, or patterns shaped by survival.
This is not about fixing yourself. It is about reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have been waiting for space, safety, and attention.
Overview
Over three days, participants engage in a thoughtfully paced retreat that weaves together therapeutic reflection, nervous system support, and meaningful time in nature.
Activities are invitational and adaptable, allowing participation at your own pace and comfort level. The retreat balances guided group experiences with personal reflection, rest, and spacious time for integration.
You can expect:
guided therapeutic circles and reflection
nervous system regulation and grounding practices (restorative yoga, sound bath)
nature-based sensory and experiential activities
meaningful group connection and shared meals
spacious time for rest and personal integration
The intention is not to push or overwhelm, but to create conditions where insight, safety, and connection can naturally emerge.
The Experience
If your body has been stuck in fight, flight, or freeze for a long time, it’s likely forgot there’s another way to live.
This retreat is geared toward 20–35 year olds who have spent more time “surviving” than actually living lately.
Beyond Survival is a 3-day, professionally guided nature-based retreat for those navigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, the lasting impacts of trauma or chronic stress. When your nervous system has been in survival mode for a long time, it can start to feel like that’s just who you are…We’re here to tell you, It’s not. It’s your body doing what it learned to do to keep you safe.
“Nature asks nothing from you except for your presence.”
Pricing Breakdown
Regular Rate: $975
Total experience, accommodation, food, and taxes included.
Early Bird Rate: $900
The Early Bird rate will be available for three weeks, ending on March 20, 2026.
Regular pricing will apply after this date.
Student Rate: $875
A limited number of student-rate spots are available on a first come, first served basis.
To access the student rate, participants must provide proof of current student status by emailing documentation to info@embercentre.ca following registration. Student pricing is not confirmed until verification has been received.
Payment Plans:
Payment plans available. Registration is split into three equal installments — one at purchase, one a month later, and one the month after that.
What’s included in the retreat price?
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Shared cabin accommodation for the duration of the retreat. Beds are provided; participants must bring their own linens (sheets, blanket, pillow, and towel).
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Meals that are included:
Arrival Day (Aug 17) — arrival snack, lunch, dinner, & coffee/tea
Full Retreat Day (Aug 18) — breakfast, lunch, dinner, & coffee/tea
Departure Day (Aug 19) — breakfast, lunch, & coffee/tea(Dietary needs accommodated when shared in advance.)
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Facilitated by Registered Clinical Counsellors and nature-based therapy practitioners, including nature-based therapy experiences, guided reflection, and experiential group activities.
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All applicable taxes are already included in the retreat price.
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Transportation to/from the retreat location, linens, outdoor gear required for time spent in nature, optional add-on counselling sessions (can be added separately, see below).
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Integration sessions are counselling sessions designed to help you prepare for the retreat and make sense of what emerges afterward.
Prep sessions provide space to set intentions and talk through what you’re carrying into the experience. Integration sessions offer support in reflecting on insights, emotions, or shifts that may continue unfolding after the retreat, helping translate the experience into meaningful change in everyday life.
Participants also have the option to continue working with their counsellor after the retreat if they feel called to.
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Integration Counselling Package — $600 upfront
Includes:
2 preparation sessions
2 post-retreat integration sessions
Sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor
Available in-person or online
(4 sessions total)
Sessions are billable through extended health benefits where counselling services are covered.
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After completing your booking, sessions will appear as non-refundable credit in your client account within 1–2 business days
Credits must be used within one year of purchase
You’ll book directly with your counsellor at times that work for you
After each session, you’ll receive a receipt that can be submitted to extended health benefits for reimbursement (if applicable)
Not sure if this is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute consult or reach out to us at info@embercentre.ca — we’re happy to help.
Optional Add-On: Retreat Integration Sessions With a Clinical Counsellor
More Details: Accommodations, Meals & Location
Cheakamus Centre | Squamish, BC
Beyond Survival takes place at the Cheakamus Centre, located on the unceded traditional territory of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation — a place of learning, gathering, and connection for generations. Surrounded by forest, mountain landscapes, and quiet natural spaces, the setting itself becomes part of the retreat experience, supporting rest, reflection, and reconnection with the natural world.
Accommodations
Participants will stay in heated, rustic log-style cabins nestled within the forest. Cabins include shared bunk-style sleeping quarters and shared washrooms, offering a simple and grounding experience connected to nature.This is a co-ed retreat. Sleeping areas may be divided into smaller shared spaces where possible, and participants will be invited to indicate accommodation preferences during registration so we can support comfort and safety as best as possible.
Guests are asked to bring bedding or a sleeping bag for twin bunk beds, along with personal items. A detailed packing list will be provided prior to the retreat.
Meals
Meals are thoughtfully prepared onsite using locally sourced, whole ingredients whenever possible. Shared meals are an important part of the retreat experience — offering time to slow down, connect, and gather in community. Cheakamus Centre accommodates a wide range of dietary needs and prioritizes nourishing, homemade food that supports both personal wellbeing and environmental responsibility.
Please note: Cheakamus Centre is a nut-restricted facility, and nut products are not permitted onsite.
Welcome to Cheakamus Centre
Meet Your Retreat Facilitators & Organizers
Kaitlin Rai
Founder | Registered Clinical Counsellor | Nature-based PractitionerKaitlin is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over a decade of experience supporting youth and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, and life transitions. Her work integrates relational therapy and nature-based practice, creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect with their nervous systems, and explore identity beyond survival patterns.
Amelia is a nature-based practitioner and counsellor-in-training who supports healing through connection with nature, embodied awareness, and experiential practice. Drawing from outdoor education, somatic movement, and holistic learning, she helps create grounded spaces where participants can reconnect with themselves through presence, community, and time outdoors.
Founder | Nature-Based Practitioner | Counsellor-in-Training | Educator